KMS Racing Charges into Joensuu with a Dynamic Duo
Tuusula-based racing team KMS Racing is revving up with a two-car lineup for the fifth round of the Finnish Rally Championship, SM Itäralli. Taking on the challenging two-day competition in Joensuu, the team will field Ford Fiesta Rally4 cars driven by Jyväskylä's own Nico Valkonen and Czech young talent Daniel Polasek.
M-Sport's official partner in Finland, KMS Racing, is set to compete with two cars in the fifth round of the Finnish Rally Championship, SM Itäralli, held in Joensuu. In the SM3 class, the two Ford Fiesta Rally4 cars will be piloted by Daniel Polasek and Nico Valkonen.
Czech driver Polasek, alongside co-driver Katerina Janovska, heads to Joensuu's fast stages after securing their first FRC podium finish in the previous round in Pohjanmaa. Polasek, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this week, is eagerly looking forward to the event.
"We're excited to get back behind the wheel of the Fiesta. I hope to see progress in our performance. The rally will undoubtedly be amazing, and the roads seem fantastic," Polasek shares.
Nico Valkonen, partnered with Kari Kallio, will drive the team's second car. Valkonen, who claimed victory in the SM3 class at the Jyväskylän Talviralli, showed impressive pace in Pohjanmaa until a puncture dropped the Finn in the standings. Now, the 24-year-old from Joensuu aims to secure his second victory of the season.
"We're going for the win, and nothing less will satisfy us," Valkonen asserts.
Jussi Kumpumäki, Team Principal of KMS Racing, eagerly anticipates the Joensuu round. The competition promises to be highly intriguing from the team's perspective.
"It would be great to see Daniel claim his second podium finish of the season. This is his first time tackling Joensuu's fast roads, and it will be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to again slightly different stages. Meanwhile, Nico will undoubtedly continue his pursuit of top times, picking up where he left off in Pohjanmaa," Kumpumäki reflects.
SM Itäralli will take place in Joensuu from June 16th to 17th, featuring nine special stages and 91.42 kilometers of competitive distance. The action kicks off at Mehtimäki on Friday at 19:01 and concludes at Joensuu's market square on Saturday at 18:14. The rally can be spectated via live stream on Moottoriurheilu.tv's YouTube channel and the Ralli SM website.
SM Itäralli Schedule
Friday 16.6. – 7 km
19:11 EK1 – Mehtimäki 1,50 km
20:06 EK2 – Kissapuro 5,50 km
Saturday 17.6. – 84,42 km
10:13 EK3 – Kuusvaara 1 11,40 km
10:44 EK4 – Mäkrä 1 7,67 km
11:34 EK5 – Oskola 1 13,26 km
14:35 EK6 – Kuusvaara 2 11,40 km
15:06 EK7 – Mäkrä 2 7,67 km
15:56 EK8 – Oskola 2 13,26 km
16:44 EK9 – Tervavaara 22,76 km
Photo: Merita Mäkinen
